PARTICIPANTS in this year's cycling sportive Tour d'Arts Alive on Sunday, June 25 are in for some surprises when they stop at Bucknell for well-earned refreshments. Alongside excellent tea and home-made cakes provided by local volunteers, young performers from Cardington Kids Club will be adding the 'arts' element with some cycling-themed comic moments.

The performers, mostly of primary school age, have been busy developing 'rehearsed improvisations' with which to entertain the cyclists.

Bike parts also feature in the distinctive arch, made by local metal artist Roj Williams, through which riders in the Tour d'Arts Alive set off from Clun Memorial Hall. Continuing the artistic element, as they return they will be welcomed back by the Bishops Castle Community Band - and presented with distinctive edible medals made by Montgomery-based company, Doodlebakes.

This is the third year of the Tour d'Arts Alive, a popular fund-raiser for the organisation which brings a wide range of professional performing arts to rural community venues all over Shropshire and Herefordshire. Organised by Rideventures to British Cycling guidelines, there are three rides to suit everyone from the serious cyclist to the 'Sunday-potterer.'